Check Out These Unique and Inspiring Wedding Ideas

Couples shared their creative plans for the chance to win $15,000!

by The Knot

Update: The winner is Kristen Lenze of Atlanta, Georgia. Congrats to the couple! Voting has now ended.

No matter what you have in mind for your wedding ceremony or reception, it’s bound to be memorable. And to make the day even more exceptional, our friends at SUPERPRETZEL Soft Pretzels will help one lucky couple bring those dreams to life with a $15,000 prize to put toward their special day. Thousands of soon-to-be-weds sent us their one-of-a-kind wedding ideas and now we’ve narrowed it down to five super-creative contenders. Read their stories below and then vote for your favorite (PS. You'll be entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card once you do).

Kristen Lenze and Palmer Ensell, Atlanta

Getting married: June 23, 2017

“My parents never got to have a first dance, so we’re giving them one after my husband-to-be Palmer and I share ours. They were supposed to get married on August 31, 1985, but Hurricane Elena arrived and no one was able to attend because of road closures and horrific weather. But that didn't stop my parents; they got married the following day after realizing all they really needed was a priest and each other. Since their reception was never rescheduled, we want to surprise them at ours. After our dance, we’ll tell the story of how their happy marriage began. Then we’ll play what would have been their wedding song, "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago, and let them have the first dance they missed out on nearly 32 years ago.”

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Chrissy Fischer and Bryan Wilson, Philadelphia

Getting married: May 27, 2017

“I’m a huge animal lover and we’d like to find a rescue or shelter to let us borrow puppies for each bridesmaid to hold (instead of flowers). The best outcome? Some really cute pictures and to get them adopted. This money would enable us to help the shelter make sure they all find homes.

Meghan Murphy and Tammi Peterson, Palm Bay, Florida

Getting married: November 11, 2017

“Our wedding will be officiated by our good friend Kyle, who’s also known as his drag burlesque character, Deja. Although some may find it shocking to be married by a man in a dress, to us it’s a part of the culture in Key West, Florida, a testament to the One Human Family motto, and an important statement toward gender fluidity and sexual identity freedom. As a lesbian couple we have both endured harassment and discrimination, but have found a welcoming community here and want to integrate that feeling into our otherwise traditional ceremony. We’re also having male and female “bridesmates” on each side of our bridal party. We feel blessed to be getting married within the first few years it’s legal for same sex couples in the US.”

Kathryn O’Connor and Brent Young, Kihei, Hawaii

Getting married: December 8, 2017

“I’m one of the resident astronomers at the Hyatt Regency Maui's “Tour of the Stars” excursion, where guests can look thousands of light years across space into our universe. I definitely want to incorporate my passion for astronomy into our wedding. Many meteor showers occur in December, and the beginning of The Geminids overlaps with our wedding. In addition to dancing, cocktails, family, friends and awesome Hawaiian food, we’ll have telescopes set up for a private celestial viewing. With a late rising moon and Maui’s minimal light pollution, it will be a magical sky!”

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Ronni Peterson and Mitch Hupp, North Paul, Minnesota

Getting married: August 26, 2017

“On December 6th, 2015, my sister had a massive stroke at age 30 and barely survived. After seven brain surgeries, the left side of her body was paralyzed, leaving her unable to walk or move her arm. With faith, love and determination over the last year, she’s starting to walk again and is now able to move her arm again. Her goal is to walk down the aisle as my maid of honor. This is truly an amazing goal and I believe she’ll succeed, so I don't want to miss it! My fiancé and I have a surprise for her and my family: Instead of my sister walking down the aisle and waiting for me to follow, I will walk down after my bridesmaids and she will have the honor of walking down last. As special music plays, all of our guests will stand and I will cheer her on from the altar. This way, I will not miss this spectacular moment and it will be a time for everyone to honor her strength, courage and determination. My sister deserves the spotlight and I look forward to dedicating that moment to her.”

This article is sponsored by SUPERPRETZEL Soft Pretzels. Go here to vote for your favorite couple.